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With the arrival of the cold weather, we need to start up-ing our skincare game, but with the C word approaching there is also presents and lots of saving to be done, so money is tighter. Below are my top 5 skincare saviours that can really give some extra love to your skin and even better won’t break the bank. So you can concentrate on saving your money for bills, presents and maybe a sneaky make up purchase from one of the many lovely AW collections!

My 5 Skincare Saviours!

Flannels

Flannels are an inexpensive addition to your skincare routine, you can get a pack of four from Penny’s (Primark) to those of you outside of Ireland) for a couple of euro but they are an extremely hardworking worthy item. Flannel’s can retain heat better and so are extremely effective for cleansing and removing make-up. You can throw them in the wash too, so use a fresh one every day, especially if you are prone to break outs. Flannels also act as a natural exfoliator when washing your face so help to get a more even complexion and tackle dull skin.

Fish Oils

Fish Oils used to remind me of the thing your mother used to try and force feed you on a spoon and how it was VILE! Thankfully there is a whole range of fish oils now that are less gag inducing and you can take them in capsule form too. Taken every day (with food) they can help regulate oil production in your skin to boost hydration, prevent acne and reduce skin inflammation; they also have anti-ageing benefits to stave off those wrinkles. I personally love the Eskimo Fish Oils but there are so many to choose from you can find one to suit you and your budget.

Coconut Oil

Oh coconut how I love thee! This is one of my most loved products EVER! I have yet to meet a food, product, smell, or anything in fact with a coconut in it that I didn’t like. If it contains coconut sign me up… Ahem anyway I digress back to why this turns me into a rambling mess. Coconut oil (specifically extra virgin coconut oil) is cheap as chips and it does EVERYTHING. Seriously it’s so multifunctional and it works. It’s a fantastic way to keep your skin and hair soft, healthy and supple. You can use it as a hair mask, lip balm, cleanser, moisturiser, body moisturiser, on your cuticles or slather it all over your face and leave on for thirty minutes like a mask. You can even cook with it. You can find this in in any health food store, but my coconut oil of choice can be found in Dunnes for just under €5 and is on par with some of the more expensive versions found in the likes of Holland and Barrett.

Hot Water and Lemon

Lemons are a fantastic addition to any beauty regimen. Lemons are a great source of calcium, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium – minerals and antioxidants that improve the appearance and condition of our hair, skin and nails. Squeezing some lemon into some warm water every morning has some fantastic skin benefits. The levels of Vitamin C helps to decrease wrinkles, it also acts as a detox for both our skin and body helping to keep your skin clear and tackle any bloating as an added benefit! It can also help to detox the liver and is a top tip for tackling dark circles under your eyes.

Dark Chocolate

Yes chocolate!! However these benefits only apply to dark chocolate that is at least 70% or over unfortunately so we can’t have all of the chocolate in aid of beauty. Sigh! But back to the dark stuff, researchers have found that it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish the skin. Flavonoids found in dark chocolate absorb UV light, acting as a natural SPF for your skin, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, improve skin’s hydration and complexion. Additionally dark chocolate has been found to reduce stress hormones thus helping prevent collagen break down and fighting fine lines and wrinkles.

So do you think you’ll be adding any of these to your routine and what are your top beauty saviours?